Recently, a group of au pairs visited the new Ronald McDonald House in Atlanta to help prepare dinner for families staying there. With over 60,000 square feet of space and 50 bedrooms, this wonderful $15.7 million facility provides temporary housing and emotional support to families of ill and injured children in the Atlanta area.
The CHI Au Pair USA program matches au pairs from six continents and over 25 countries with American families. During the yearlong program, au pairs live with their host families and experience US culture from a first hand perspective. Participants come from a variety of backgrounds and most speak a number of languages. All share a love of children, and a desire to learn more about America.
The event at Ronald McDonald House was arranged by CHI’s local Atlanta coordinator, Joani McCullough, who was inspired by this year’s National Volunteer Week theme of ‘Celebrating People in Action’. Brazilian au pair Leticia Francio, who is staying with a local Georgia family, served as one of the cooks for the day. She said “this event gave me an opportunity to help families whose children are sick and in the hospital. I love to cook. It was inspiring to prepare a meal for these families and hear their stories.”
The event proved to be a rewarding experience for everyone involved. The families received home cooked meals, the au pairs came away with a better appreciation of community service in America, and the Ronald McDonald House was grateful for the help.
